Part 63 (2/2)

I have reproved him for it.

PRINCE.

Reproved him! How good--natured! Advise him never to appear again in my dominions; for my reproof might not be found so good-natured.

MARINELLI.

Just as I foresaw! I and Angelo.--Design and accident; all the same.--It was, however, agreed, and indeed promised, that I should not be answerable for any accidents which might happen.

PRINCE.

_Might_ happen, say you, or _must_?

MARINELLI.

Still better! Yet one word, your Highness, before you say in harsh phrase what you think of me. The Count's death was far from being a matter of indifference to me. I had challenged him. He left the world without giving me satisfaction, and my honour, consequently, remains tarnished. Allowing, therefore, what under other circ.u.mstances I deserved the suspicion you allude to, can I in this? (_with a.s.sumed anger_.) He who can so suspect me----

PRINCE (_yielding_).

Well, well!

MARINELLI.

Oh that he were still alive! I would give all that I possess--(_with bitterness_)--even the favour of my Prince--even that treasure, invaluable and never to be trifled with, would I give.

PRINCE.

Well, well! I understand you. His death was accidental, merely accidental--you a.s.sure me that it was so, and I believe it. But will any one else believe it? Will Emilia--her mother--the world?

MARINELLI (_coldly_).

Scarcely.

PRINCE.

What, then, will they believe? You shrug your shoulders. They will suppose Angelo the tool and me the prime mover.

MARINELLI (_still more coldly_).

Probable enough!

PRINCE.

Me! me, myself!--or from this hour I must resign all hopes of Emilia.

MARINELLI (_in a tone of perfect indifference_).

Which you must also have done, had the Count lived.

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